The Duchess of Cambridge to take Maternity Leave from Mid-June

The Duchess of Cambridge is expected to take maternity leave from mid- June and will not carry out royal duties during this time.

During a visit to Scotland, Catherine revealed she plans to go on maternity leave from her royal duties from ‘around June time’.

The expecting Royal, who is six months’ pregnant, also revealed that her due date is ‘around mid-July’ – a slightly more detailed hint than the official announcement from St James’s Palace earlier this year that confirmed July would be Catherine’s due month.

When asked about her due date, Catherine replied: ‘It’s around mid-July but apparently babies have their own agenda”

During mid June, Trooping The Colour and the Order of the Garter ceremonies take place in London and Windsor respectively, and it is widely expected that Catherine will attend both events which means these will most likely be her last royal duties before the baby comes.

Catherine is expected to take maternity leave after the birth and it is unlikely the royal couple will take on a royal tour this year.

Speaking last month, private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton to the Duke and Duchess, said William and Kate would be focusing on their family life this year and a view on royal tours will be “assessed” later on.

He continued: “I’m not anticipating the Duke and Duchess taking on overseas tours because of her baby.”

There had been mounting speculation that Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge would take on a tour to Australia and New Zealand at some point in the near future, however it is expected this tour will take place in 2014 now.

The Foreign Office, which organises royal tours, is aware that Commonwealth realms such as Australia and New Zealand are extremely eager to welcome the royal couple in the near future, and will be keen to wait until both The Duke and Duchess can travel abroad before arranging such a major visit.